Cat Dental Care
Help stop pet dental pain
Do Cats Show Dental Pain?
- People often complain to their dentist about how bad it is to live with dental pain. Anyone that's had a toothache knows just how miserable it is, 24/7.
- Many people don't get to the a dentist and have to live with dental pain. All day long they live with dental pain, and no one knows unless they say something about it.
- If your cat shows any signs of dental pain, it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian ASAP!
- Cats can’t talk. They don’t understand that the painful problem can be fixed. They are also much more stoic than people. So most cats hide their dental pain.
Cats Are Stoic
“But my cat doesn’t act like it hurts?”
Stoic (stow’ik): Enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.
Dental Infections cause Dental Pain
A Link Between Dental Pain and Infection
- With time and inflammation, painful dental problems become infected and dental infections become painful.
- Bacteria from dental infections enter the bloodstream and can infect other parts of the body.
- Professional dental care that includes dental X-rays is needed to treat the pain and infection.
Help stop pet dental pain
How Bad Is It?
- We all know how miserable a bad toothache is.
- The pain nerves of the teeth and gums of cats and people are the same.
- Anything that would make your teeth or gums hurt make your cat's teeth or gums hurt.
Veterinarian Checkups
Usually Cats Don't Show Signs of Pain!
- Cats mostly show NO SIGNS of their dental pain and infection.
- That’s why your cat needs to visit your veterinarian every year for a complete dental examination.
- A complete dental examination includes dental probing and dental X-rays so must be done under anesthesia.
- Dental X-rays are the only way to find causes of dental pain and infection that are hidden under the gums.
The Signs That We Can Look For
Signs of Dental Pain and Infection in Cats
Although cats typically show no signs of having a bad toothache and living with dental pain, there still are some signs that we can look for. If you notice any of the symptoms below, please take your cat to the veterinarian ASAP!
Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath is often a sign of dental infection. Bad breath in dogs is easy to notice because they pant. Cats don’t pant, so bad breath often goes unnoticed.
Tartar, Discoloration
Tartar covers most of this upper big back tooth and extends up onto gum (arrow). Receding gums and bone loss may be hidden by the tartar.
Broken Tooth
Broken tooth. Compare the broken upper fang tooth (arrow) to the fang tooth on other side. The broken tooth must be extracted or have a root canal to avoid lifelong pain.
Gum Disease
Gum disease signs include red gums, gums that bleed easily, receding gums and overgrown gums. This photo shows red swollen gums in a cat. There is mild tartar build up, too. Daily dental care will help the gingivitis. The tartar will continue to build up, so a professional dental cleaning will be needed soon.
Resorbing Teeth
Resorbing teeth are teeth that slowly and painfully dissolve. The arrow shows a hole in the upper tooth. The dotted outline shows the missing part of the lower tooth that was weakened by resorption and broke off.
More Tartar On One Side Of The Mouth
The side with the heavier tartar isn’t being used because it hurts.
Changes In Eating Habits
If you notice that your cat is dropping food, reluctant to eat (especially dry food), or is eating slowly, it’s time for you to take your cat to the veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Weight Loss
Cat weight loss can be caused by dental disease, as well as other health problems. A healthy cat’s adult body weight should stay about the same. Weighing your cat at home every month can help catch health problems early. A baby scale works well to find the small weight changes that can be important.
Frequent Sneezing
Frequently licks nose … this is what cats do when they have a runny nose. If you notice this occuring, it is time to take your cat to the veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Pawing At Mouth
If you notice your cat is pawing at their mouth more than usual, it’s time to see a veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Drooling
If you notice your cat drooling excessively it’s a good sign you need to see a veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Behavior Changes
If you notice your cat becomes grouchy, spends a lot of time hiding and there’s a decrease in their normal grooming habits, it’s a good sign you need to see a veterinarian for a dental checkup.
The Three Common Causes
Common Causes of Dental Pain and Infection in Cats
Resorbing (Dissolving) Tooth, Broken Tooth, Gum Diseases
Cat Dental CHECKUPS
Questions To Ask
Your Veterinarian
- Does my cat have any broken or chipped teeth?
- Does my cat have any resorbing teeth?
- Does my cat have infected gums or bone loss?
- Will my cat have a complete dental treatment including dental X-rays?
True Stories
You will notice how much better your cat feels after their dental pain is gone!
Check out some of the comments we get from cat owners after their cat has a complete dental treatment including dental X-rays!
